Man charged after leaving accident scene

February 24, 2013

BROCTON - on Friday night, a driver fled the scene of a personal injury accident and was charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI with blood alcohol content of .18 percent or higher, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, no seat belt and following too closely.

Around 9 p.m., Chautauqua County sheriff's deputies responded to Route 20 in the village of Brocton for a report of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury. After investigation, it is alleged Jerry Bentham, 31, of Westfield, rear-ended another vehicle, then fled the scene on foot. Bentham was located near the scene and it was further alleged he did not have permission to drive the vehicle he was operating. He was charged with the violations and arraigned in the town of Portland court before being committed to the Chautauqua County jail in lieu of bail. The driver of the other vehicle was transported by ambulance to Brooks Memorial hospital for treatment of what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries.

Three hospitalized after single vehicle crash

WESTFIELD - On Saturday, three women were injured after the vehicle they were in struck a utility pole in Westfield.

Around 3 p.m., Chautauqua County sheriff's deputies responded to a single vehicle accident on Route 5 in the town of Westfield in which a vehicle went off the road and struck a utility pole. Upon investigation, deputies allege a driver, Cynthia Marx, 57, of Rochester, fell asleep at the wheel and veered off the road while a passenger attempted to alert her. The vehicle went onto some gravel and snow on the road on the shoulder before traveling down a small embankment and into the pole, causing the pole to sheer off at the base. The power lines were not affected by the crash and were checked by Westfield Electric, according to police sources.

Marx and her two passengers, Elizabeth Marx, 97, of Westfield and Norrine Snyder, 61, of Lyons, were transported to Westfield Memorial Hospital by Westfield EMS for their injuries. No charges were filed.

Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office

SILVER CREEK - Joseph R. Faraci III, 34, of Henry Street was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and insufficient tail lamps on Feb. 21. At 1:59 a.m. deputies stopped a vehicle on Central Avenue in the village for an equipment violation. According to police, Faraci was found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana. He was released on an appearance ticket for the Silver Creek Village Court.